Ten years ago, it seemed as if everyone under 40 was buying zoot suits, ruffled skirts and dance lessons. The “swing revival” was on, and half the clubs in Seattle became the Roseland Ballroom, circa 1942. At the head of the pack were the Dusty 45s, led by a bespectacled Illinois farmboy-turned-frontman who appeared to be the reincarnation of both Louis Armstrong and Eddie Cochran. With a maniacal grin and a flaming trumpet, Billy Joe Huels’ incendiary mix of rockabilly, western swing, jump blues, ’30s jazz and everything in between set them apart from their peers.
That somewhat undefinable, yet timeless sound — and the excitement it creates — not only allowed the Dusty 45s to survive that craze, it’s provided for an admirable career. Years after the suits and skirts went back to the second-hand shops, the band — now dubbed “Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s” — reign as the Emerald City’s pre-eminent party band, the “go-to” group that lights up any theater they enter.
Luck certainly has played a minor role in Huels’ story, but the band’s success is no accident.
“Certainly, we’re part of this ‘Americana-roots rock’ genre,” he explained, “But rather than attaching my identity or the band’s identity to one particular genre, we’ve spread it out. I also try to make it personal, have the audience become part of it, rather than having them feel they’re watching a nostalgia act. Connecting with the audience has been so important, from the beginning of the band 10 years ago.”
Indeed, the Dusty 45s won’t be playing the country fair or hotel lounge circuits anytime soon. Their stage presence is so immediate, so hip, they’ve got “street cred” in spades. The band has shared a bill with Motorhead’s Lemmy, and opened for Barack Obama; next month, they’ll be playing some dates around the country with Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard and the Johnny Cash-channelling kid sensation, Vince Mira.
The group has had more personnel changes than Menudo, with Huels as the sole constant. All of the versions have been excellent, but the latest incarnation — some two years old now — is the most experienced, if not the best, that the charismatic entertainer has put together. Huels’ friendship with semi-legendary guitarist Jerry Battista pre-dates the Dusty 45s by almost a decade, and Seattle-scene veteran Kelly Van Camp brings years of performing experience to the drum kit. And then there’s the bassist — in this sort of band, only an upright player will do.
“I scoured the scene for someone who not only had the chops, but whose personality would fit in with us,” Huels recalled. “I found a fellow who’s played with a lot of great bluesmen, Guy Quintino. Great chops, great feel, great stage presence; he’s perfect for us.”
As far as singer/songwriter/trumpeter/guitarist Huels is concerned, the description of “party band” is insufficient.
“We’re a little more than that,” he explained. “A lot of our songs have a bit of a social message, which is important to me; most of ‘em have a bit more depth than say, songs about girls in tight skirts… and, as my career matures, it’s become even more so.
“(The Dusty 45s) are about good songs, having fun and not being greedy,” the crooner continued. “I think the big problem with our culture is that we want too many things, and want too much control. We’re not aware of where we stand in the world.”
Some of Huels’ social commentary will be found on the 45s’ newest record, Fortunate Man, due this fall; the frontman hopes that an EP from the album will be ready for sale at their Edmonds show.
While recording has always been important to Huels, it’s remained secondary to performing. Indeed, the Dusty 45s are the antithesis of most acts, hailing from the days when musicians made records in order to get good-paying gigs, as opposed to going on concert tours to promote albums. Years ago, the frontman realized that the business of entertaining people is just that; eventually, he became the group’s bookkeeper, booking agent, and manager… an impresario, of sorts. And business has been good — the band has never been busier.
“The music business is like any other,” he shrugged. “The longer you stick with it, the more you believe in it, the more customers you’ll have.”
Of all the material in the 45s’ arsenal, what can the audience expect this Friday?
“It’s gonna be rockin’, a true rock ‘n’ roll show,” the master showman asserted. “Almost all original songs, 12 years worth. And some classics, too. People will be on their feet.”
And does Billy Joe still set his trumpet on fire?
“Yeah,” he replied, chuckling. “Yes, I do.”
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